Weight No More: A Nice Surprise

Thursday, July 12, 2018

I have always been grateful for blessing of being able to food shop but never enjoyed it, it was just another task I had to complete.

Two days ago was different– I think in part it is due to some Spark conversations I had about showing respect and gratitude for our food.

Tuesday we had errands to run which included food shopping. Armed with my hit list and BYOB (bring your own bags—what else would it be?) I slated the bulk of the day and was up for the task. I had 4 stores to visit: Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, Walmart. DH brought his lap top so he had something to do in the car while waiting for me. Remarkably each store took less than 20 minutes (miracles can happen when I remember my hit list).
The whole drive home I was feeling very satisfied. At first I thought the feeling came from the efficiency of the trip but then I realized it was much more than that.

Not too long ago one of my favorite lame excuses for not losing weight was that I did not have the time to shop for the specialized foods. Shopping on a diet meant reading every label and purchasing boring, bland foods that tasted like cardboard. It meant small containers, high prices. My only excitement came from finding skinless, boneless chicken breast on sale. All in all a trip to the grocery store was taxing at best. As my weight soared (273 lbs), enough was enough and a change had to be made.

I put in the time because I was worth it. With each pound lost I became more determined to keep it off and strive to shed more. Food shopping became a three eyed monster that I would rule.
So what was it that left me so satisfied food shopping this time?

First I realized the quick shopping time. Why was it so quick? It was quick because I basically shop the perimeter of the store. Whole Foods brought me to the frozen section to pick up Siete grain free tortillas (thank you Jeanknee for the tip), Sam’s I only shopped the dairy case and produce section.

What else left me so content? I know the foods are all good for me—they will not put weight on me, they are nutrient dense and support what my body needs.

Another reason I was giddy is that I saved money. You heard me, even by shopping at Whole Paycheck (err I mean Whole Foods). How? I only pick up specialized items at WF that I cannot get other places. Perimeter foods cost less than packaged processed foods and leave the stomach content with meals (not hungry for snacks)
But the big bonus--- the nice surprise--this food is tasty and healthful! No scaled back calorie versions , cardboard flavored substitutes for what I really wanted, no fat free rubbery cheese, no giant paragraph of unidentifiable ingredients butter wanna be—just real food--wholesome and delicious . Methinks that is the main reason this food shopping trip was so enjoyable, I knew I could eat everything I bought (just not in the same meal).

Like most new endeavors, in the beginning there is a learning curve and a time curve. For me both of those curves were steep. They were steep mostly because I thought I had to re-invent the wheel to lose weight and they were steep because I was stubborn and I lacked self-confidence.

For any Newbies (and re-newbies) out there my advice...
1. Be patient with yourself as you learn.
2. Shop the perimeter and use the time saved reading ingredient lists with web searches for how to prepare/serve food you just bought. Also, be on the look out for free recipe cards and ideas—the produce and meat department are full of them.
3. Have faith, it may be a lot of extra effort now—but once you learn it—it will become second nature.

I lost 133 lbs and made goal on my birthday nearly 3 years ago. I didn't give up on myself.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Day 6
No Prob Llama task: Continue to give myself credit for all the good choices I make through the day.

Beck Snippet: Find a diet coach. I already have one in place and lots and lots of support here on The Spark! Having a diet coach does not mean I am weak--it jut means I get someone to to help me along the way. No one could lose weight for me-- it was a gift that only I could give myself.

JSMIMI8
I was so excited when I made some of the same discoveries a few weeks ago. I live out in a rural and I mainly shop at one store because it is not economical to drive a long distance. I have discovered perimeter shopping and I love it.223 days ago

SPARKLE-IT
What an awesome and amazing gift you have given yourself. It's remarkable the transformation you've made - I am proud for you and of you. Now I need to get my head in the game and really stary playing. Congrats to you!223 days ago

SUSIEMT
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I absolutely loved this blog! Thank you for sharing some of your story, maybe it's time for me to read your page! You look so totally different! You became a new woman! Congratulations on your accomplishment! Woo Hoo you on three years maintenance!223 days ago

ALICEDIXIE
You are an inspiration. I don't mind food shopping and like you, I prefer to shop the perimeter. I think it is actually fun to check out all the fresh fruits and vegs. Thanks again for sharing.224 days ago

1CRAZYDOG
Wow! All I can say is WOW! You truly transformed your body and your mind -- the attitude change helps so much. I used to hate the $$$$ dropped for the healthy foods, but then I realized, hey, i HATE leaving the checkbook @ the Dr. for all the ailments caused by my being obese and not taking good care of this body I a gifted with. Once that switch flipped things started happening that I still sometimes cannot believe, but I will NEVER go back to where I was either.

Thank you for sharing, and BTW, yes, that name should change from Whole Foods to Whole Paycheck (LOL!)

GLORIAZ
Yes.....you truly are amazing.......but I already knew that! I am going to review your blogs and try it your way! I don’t believe in coincidences.....my new neighbor stopped yesterday and she has the same eating lifestyle as you.....she’s in her eighties.....takes no medication.....and looks amazing........just like you!224 days ago

2BDYNAMIC
I have always said, you are a poster child for Sparks, All who know you here on this site and certainly for all your family and the people that know you in your world!..:: ... I am so glad that you have shared your contrast pictures to show all readers it can be done! You truly are an inspiration! P.s. I shop Trader Joe's and Whole Foods too! 😆... See great minds think alike? .... You don't have to spend your paycheck there either! I watch their ad when it comes out and when they have their whole chickens on sale I grab a couple ...but I just buy the air chilled chickens, or breasts what difference they make!! ( Sometime ask the butcher what that means and he will explain and you never want to buy chicken any other way but air chilled)...geez! I didn't mean to write a book here LOL! .... Anyway great blog and thanks again for sharing your pictures!224 days ago

SERENASEA
Truly a transformation, in so many ways. I also go shopping with a list, but it's a rare visit to Trader Joe's or Whole Foods when I leave the store without at least one impulse item!224 days ago

BJAEGER307
Grocery shopping now is an enjoyable time. I truly agree with you. I've learned to shop by a list instead of willy-nilly down the aisles. I try and buy all organic as much as possible. Weight for me is coming off slowly but surely and that's all I can ask for.

Your recipes and blogs give me inspiration to keep on my journey of a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for your share today.224 days ago

JEANKNEE
Oh how I relate to the transformation you've shared of the grocery shopping experience. I was thrilled to find pastured eggs 2-dozen for $6 at our local Grocery Outlet. Score! It's fabulous having nothing but wholesome and delicious food available. Glad you found the Siete tortillas and hope you like them. Haven't tried the tortilla recipe you shared … yet. But, I will!